Four debutants included as Wallaroos confirm side for Fijiana Test

Thu, Jul 4, 2024, 12:58 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Tania Naden rolls over for the Wallaroos first try of 2024

Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp has named four fresh faces for Saturday’s clash with Fijiana in Sydney.

Brumbies winger Biola Dawa comes onto the wing, set to make her starting debut.

Tickets to Saturday's Wallaroos-Wallabies double-header in Sydney available here!

It comes after a hamstring injury to Maya Stewart during the build-up, ruling out the impressive flyer.

Waratahs lock Kaitlan Leaney returns to the side in the second row, the lone change to the starting pack.

Leaney’s inclusion shifts Atasi Lafai to blindside flanker, with Siokapesi Palu named on the reserves alongside potential debutants and Brumbies team-mates Allana Sikimeti and Lydia Kavoa.

Layne Morgan starts at scrum half alongside NSW halves partner Arabella McKenzie following the injury to Sam Wood (back).

McKenzie is set to play her 25th Test for the Wallaroos alongside reigning Wallaroos Player of the Year Eva Karpani.

Experienced fullback Lori Cramer slots back into the starting side, having missed their last Test against New Zealand.

Queensland Reds teammate Nat Wright is in line for her debut off the bench, with the former Sevens star set to provide scrum half coverage.

Wright is joined by Trilleen Pomare and Faitala Moleka as the back reserves, with the Australians hunting for their first win of the season.

“It’s been nice to be back in Sydney and the players are working hard to put in a good performance against Fiji on Saturday," Yapp said in a statement.

“Our team has been building well and we are looking forward to seeing how they go.

“We have four debutants and I’d like to congratulate Allana, Biola, Lydia and Nat on selection ahead of their first Test caps, and Eva and Arabella on their pending milestones.

“Maya Stewart and Ashley Marsters are both unavailable due to injury.”

The Test match will feature as part of a double header with the Wallabies-Wales clash on Saturday night in Sydney, with all Wallaroos home Tests live, ad-free and on demand on Stan Sport."

WALLAROOS TEAM LIST TO FACE FIJI

1. Brianna Hoy (Coffs Harbour Snappers) – 6 caps

2. Tania Naden (Uni-North Owls) – 13 caps

3. Eva Karpani (Onkaparinga) – 24 caps

4. Kaitlan Leaney (CSU Marlins) – 18 caps

5. Michaela Leonard (c) (Tuggeranong Vikings) – 25 caps

6. Atasi Lafai (Campbelltown Harlequins) – 12 caps

7. Leilani Nathan (Hamilton Hawks) – 5 caps

8. Piper Duck (Tumut Bullettes) – 13 caps

9. Layne Morgan (Merewether Carlton) – 22 caps

10. Arabella McKenzie (Lightning Ridge Tigers) – 24 caps

11. Desiree Miller (Eastern Suburbs) – 5 caps

12. Cecilia Smith (Leeton Dianas) - 13 caps

13. Georgina Friedrichs (Wests Bulldogs) – 22 caps

14. Biola Dawa* (Wagga Reddies) – debut

15. Lori Cramer (University of Queensland) – 21 caps

Reserves

16. Tiarna Molloy (Inverell Highlanders) – 1 cap

17. Allana Sikimeti* (North Eagles) – debut

18. Bridie O'Gorman (Sydney University) – 20 caps

19. Siokapesi Palu (Rockdale Rangers) – 9 caps

20. Lydia Kavoa* (Eastern Suburbs) – debut

21. Natalie Wright* (Wests Bulldogs) – debut

22. Trilleen Pomare (Wanneroo) – 27 caps

23. Faitala Moleka (Blacktown Scorpions) – 9 caps

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